As of April 1, 2004, it is possible to obtain refund of the fee for request for examination. The law introduced a system for requesting a refund of 50% of the examination fees upon withdrawal of an application after a request for examination has been made but before receipt of a notification from the Japanese Patent Office, i.e., an office action or a Notice of Allowance, and etc. Therefore, please note that even if we file a request for refund, we may not receive the refund. Usually an application is examined after 9.5 months from the date of filing a request for examination. Further, please note that it is not possible to revive this case once you file a Notice of Withdrawal. A power of attorney must be submitted together with a Notice of Withdrawal.